AFCON
MATCH PREVIEW: Cameroon v Gabon AFCON 2025
Cameroon and Gabon face off in AFCON 2025 Group F with history, pride, and key stars on the line. Cameroon bring pedigree and power, while Gabon rely on resilience and their talisman Aubameyang. This clash could decide the group’s balance.
Match Information
- Date & Venue: December 24, 2025, Stade d’Agadir, Morocco
- Importance: Both teams aim to start strong in a competitive Group F, where every point matters.
Previous Meetings
- Cameroon and Gabon have met multiple times, with Cameroon holding the upper hand.
- Head-to-head record: Cameroon 4 wins, Gabon 2 wins, 1 draw across 7 official meetings.
- Notable clashes:
- AFCON 2017: Gabon 0–0 Cameroon (group stage).
- Friendly 2016: Cameroon 2–1 Gabon.
- AFCON 2010: Gabon stunned Cameroon 1–0.
Team Strengths
🇨🇲 Cameroon – The Indomitable Lions
- Strengths: Physicality, pace, and tournament experience. Known for defensive solidity and midfield power.
- Key Players: Bryan Mbeumo (Manchester United) – creativity and goals.
- Carlos Baleba (Brighton) – rising star in midfield.
🇬🇦 Gabon – Les Panthères
- Strengths: Compact defense, disciplined structure, dangerous on the counterattack.
- Key Players:
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Olympique de Marseille) – veteran striker, still lethal at 35.
- Mario Lemina (Galatasaray S.K) – midfield stability.
- Denis Bouanga (LAFC) – pace and direct attacking threat.
Previous AFCON Performance
Cameroon
- Titles: 5 (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017).
- Recent Runs: Quarter-finals (2019), Round of 16 (2023).
- Legacy: One of Africa’s most decorated sides, with 21 AFCON appearances.
Gabon
- Best Finish: Quarter-finals (1996, 2012 – co-hosted edition).
- Appearances: First qualified in 1994, never won the trophy.
- Identity: Known for passionate home support and occasional giant-killing runs.
Head Coaches
- Cameroon: David Pagou – appointed in December 2025 after Marc Brys’ dismissal. Experienced Cameroonian coach, tasked with stabilizing the squad amid turmoil.
- Gabon: Thierry Mouyouma – former Gabon international defender, appointed in 2023. Known for discipline and tactical organization, aiming to restore Gabon’s pride.
Players to Watch
- Cameroon: Bryan Mbeumo (creativity), Zambo Anguissa (midfield control), Karl Toko-Ekambi (goals).
- Gabon: Aubameyang (finishing), Bouanga (pace), Lemina (midfield leadership).
Summary Table
| Aspect | Cameroon 🇨🇲 | Gabon 🇬🇦 |
|---|---|---|
| AFCON Titles | 5 | 0 |
| Best AFCON Finish | Champions (5x) | Quarter-finals (1996, 2012) |
| Key Strengths | Physicality, depth, experience | Discipline, counterattack, Aubameyang |
| Head Coach | David Pagou | Thierry Mouyouma |
| Star Players | Mbeumo, Baleba | Aubameyang, Lemina, Bouanga |
| H2H Record | 4W–2L–1D | 2W–4L–1D |
Bottom Line: Cameroon enter as favorites thanks to their pedigree and squad depth, but Gabon’s counterattacking threat led by Aubameyang means this Group F clash could be tighter than expected.
